Metabolic Syndrome Calculator

If you ask yourself the question 'What is metabolic syndrome', and whether you're at risk for it — this metabolic syndrome calculator is just right for you. You can also learn more about the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, metabolic syndrome criteria, metabolic health in general, and metabolic syndrome treatment. Let's get started, shall we?

Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome or syndrome X, is a set of common health problems that greatly raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These conditions often occur together, making them more dangerous.

In simpler terms, metabolic syndrome refers to a combination of factors such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and extra fat around the waist, all of which increase the chances of serious health issues like diabetes and heart issues.

Diagnosis requires a physical exam and blood tests to determine if the patient meets at least three out of the five criteria for metabolic syndrome. If confirmed, the patient should follow the doctor’s recommendations to reduce the associated health risks.

The good news is that the disease is manageable and, most importantly, highly preventable. This metabolic syndrome calculator isn't just here to give you a verdict on your metabolic health but to raise awareness and help you become a healthier, happier individual. At Omni Calculator, we provide you with all the tools you need for this journey 🗺️✨

Before diving into the treatment and symptoms of metabolic syndrome, let's begin with the basics. Metabolic syndrome isn't beyond our control; it's often something we can anticipate if we pay close enough attention.

But what is metabolic syndrome exactly? We already know it is a cluster of several health conditions, but where does it all begin?

Metabolic syndrome is closely connected to overweight and physical inactivity, which often leads to another causative factor — insulin resistance.

But this is just the beginning of the domino effect: insulin resistance means that the sugar in our blood cannot enter our cells, and thus, we have a double issue: no fuel for our cells and high blood sugar at the same time. Not only does this cause us to feel unwell, but high blood sugar lays the path for even more health problems and leads to heart attack and stroke 🫀.

On the other hand, insulin resistance itself increases the risk of obesity, and the associated fatigue can make you less inclined to lead an active lifestyle.

If you have any of the above conditions, it is essential to keep them in check before they lead to other avoidable health complications. While it may require some effort, consider all the trouble you can avoid!

Also, these things do not get better with time; in fact, age is another risk factor. Hispanic ethnicity has also been linked to a higher risk for metabolic syndrome, as well as other health issues such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and sleep apnea.

Summarizing, the risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome are:

• Obesity — increased fat tissue bears several metabolic health consequences;
• Insulin resistance and diabetes — manifesting in, e.g., high blood sugar;
• Low physical activity — has a negative effect on our metabolism and increases the risk for obesity;
• Age — the risk for metabolic disorders increases with age;
• Ethnicity — Hispanic persons, especially women, are linked to a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome;
• Other health conditions — other inflammatory and metabolic health issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and fatty liver disease, can also lead to issues in other health areas.

Although there are several models that have been designed to diagnose metabolic syndrome, this metabolic syndrome calculator uses the model proposed by the American Heart Association and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This model focuses on 5 criteria, which involve these physiological and blood parameters:

1. Abdominal obesity — a waist circumference above 35 inches (88 cm) for women and 40 inches (101 cm) for men.
2. Triglycerides — levels above 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or a prescription for a triglyceride-lowering drug.
3. HDL cholesterol — levels below 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) for women and 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) for men.
4. Blood pressure — a systolic pressure of ≥130 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of ≥85 mmHg or medication for hypertension.
5. Fasting glucose levels — concerns glucose levels ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or individuals with a prescription for glucose-lowering medication.

You might wonder why exactly these criteria apply. Each one is linked to metabolic syndrome in a unique way, with its own set of symptoms and effects on the body:

Abdominal fat

Why focus on belly fat? The answer is simple: Visceral fat, located in the abdomen, grows differently and is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat, which is found in areas like the hips and thighs.
But what does that mean?

Belly fat typically grows through the enlargement of fat cells, which is problematic because these enlarged cells become dysfunctional and prone to rupture. When this happens, fat and immune compounds are released into surrounding tissues and the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and metabolic changes.

By contrast, fat in the hips and thighs grows by adding more fat cells, not by making them bigger. This is why an apple-shaped body 🍎, with fat around the belly, has more health risks than a pear-shaped body 🍐, where fat is stored in the hips and thighs. If this is something you want to investigate more, you can take a look at our waist-to-hip ratio calculator.

Triglycerides

Let’s discuss what happens to dietary fat in our bodies 🧈. Triglycerides, a major component of dietary fats, are transported through the bloodstream after digestion to provide energy to cells. However, when we consume more than needed, the excess is stored as body fat, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. High triglyceride levels in the bloodstream can also trigger negative events that may ultimately lead to atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol

Low HDL levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk, as HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from our artery walls. Like triglycerides, LDL cholesterol can build up in artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease. Without enough HDL cholesterol to clear it away, this buildup can worsen over time.

Blood pressure

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial as it regulates blood flow through arteries, veins, and capillaries, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste. This supports the health and function of vital organs like the heart, brain, and muscles. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, or strokes.

Fasting glucose

High glucose levels over time can cause serious health problems. Just like excess fats, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, raising the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It can also harm nerve cells and trigger inflammation, leading to further damage. While diabetes and hormonal issues are common causes of high blood sugar, lifestyle factors like poor diet and obesity also play a big role in raising fasting glucose levels.

Our metabolic syndrome calculator is pretty straightforward: you only need to check the applicable boxes, and then you have your diagnosis and result interpretation!

Just check which of the 5 criteria apply to you:

1. Waist circumference: >35 in (88 cm) for women or 40 in (101 cm) for men.

2. Triglycerides levels: ≥ 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) or on triglyceride lowering prescription.

3. HDL levels: <50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) for women and <40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) for men.

4. Blood pressure: ≥130 mmHg systolic BP and ≥85 mmHg diastolic BP or BP medication.

5. Fasting glucose: >100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or on glucose lowering prescription.

That's it! 🪄

Now that we understand how the factors of metabolic syndrome contribute to metabolic dysfunction and how deeply interconnected they are, it’s clear that long-term health issues require long-term health solutions. There’s no magic pill to fix this; we need to address the root causes. It’s time to go back to where things went wrong and implement what should have been prioritized all along — a healthy lifestyle.

If you're diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or have any of the risk factors, it’s important to follow these health recommendations:

1. Healthy diet: Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats (found in fish, nuts, and some vegetables such as avocado and olives), whole grains (like oats and brown rice), and drinking enough water. Minimize your intake of saturated fats, alcohol, added sugars, and salt. This will help manage your weight, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure.

2. Weight management: Even modest weight loss can significantly improve the metabolic changes linked to excess fat deposits.

3. Physical activity: Regular exercise not only helps with weight loss but also has independent benefits for your metabolism and stress levels. Even a 5% weight loss can significantly improve your symptoms.

4. Manage stress: Keeping stress under control is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing cortisol levels, which can contribute to insulin resistance. Practicing mindfulness, prioritizing sleep and a healthy lifestyle can help you to manage your stress levels.

5. Quit smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure, promotes inflammation, generates free radicals, and can lead to insulin resistance. If you're a smoker, consider speaking with your GP to explore treatment options that can support you in quitting.

6. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support proper metabolic function and help lower cortisol levels.

Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may prescribe medications lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels to assist in managing metabolic health. It’s important to note that these medications do not cure the underlying disease; rather, they help control the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. While they are essential for managing metabolic syndrome, your lifestyle choices play a crucial role in how effectively they improve your health.